Southport Man Sentenced to Life in Prison for Father's Murder

A man has been jailed for the murder of his father in Southport in December last year, following a trial at Liverpool Crown Court.

Just before midnight on Sunday, 22 December 2024, emergency services were called to a house on Braemar Avenue following concerns for the welfare of a resident. Paramedics arrived to find 73-year-old Ivan Sarwanskyj sadly deceased.

Ivan’s son, 52-year-old John David Sarwanskyj, of Braemar Avenue, Southport, was subsequently charged with murder. He pleaded not guilty.

Following an 12-day trial at Liverpool Crown Court, a jury found him guilty of Ivan’s murder and Sarwanskyj was sentenced at Liverpool Crown Court today (Monday 30 June 2025) to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 15 years.

Speaking about the verdict, Detective Chief Inspector Alan Nuttall said: "This was a truly appalling domestic murder of a vulnerable man in his own home. Ivan was described as an elderly, frail old man, who appeared older than his age. Ivan tragically died at the hands of his son in a sustained and abhorrent attack.

“As the court heard, the father-son relationship had deteriorated following the death John’s dog.

"Despite his refusal to take responsibility for his actions, the jury unanimously found him guilty.

“John Sarawanskyj lost his father due to his own actions, and the choices he made that day have now also cost him his liberty. He will spend a significant period in prison where I hope he reflects on the devastation he has caused.”

Det Chief Insp Nuttall added: “The overwhelming majority of domestic abuse is committed by men against their partners. But this case shows in the starkest possible terms that there are many forms of domestic abuse and that they can have fatal consequences.

“We treat all reports of domestic abuse extremely seriously, targeting offenders and supporting vulnerable victims all year round.

“If you are a victim of domestic abuse or believe a neighbour or someone you know is, please let us know so that we can investigate and take action.”

Information can be found here on the ways in which you can report domestic abuse if you are a victim or know someone who is: How to report domestic abuse | Merseyside Police

Further information on the local and national support available can be found here:  Support organisations for victims of domestic violence | Merseyside Police

Anyone with information on domestic abuse happening to them or someone they know can contact Merseyside Police social media desk via X @MerPolCC or on Facebook ‘Merseyside Police Contact Centre’. You can also report information via our website: https://www.merseyside.police.uk/ro/report/ocr/af/how-to-report-a-crime/ or call 101.

Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, or via their website here: https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/forms/give-information-anonymously.